Park will be replaced this spring. (Chronicle file photo)
Millennium Park will get a new Splash Pad in the spring.
The Splash Pad, a bubbling water fountain designed for young children, is 17 years old and has served beyond its expected life, said Doug Boehm, superintendent of parks and planning. Over the past few summers, staff has dealt with numerous repairs.
The inner workings of the Splash Pad will be replaced, it will get a new concrete pad and the various fountains that delight little ones will be new.
The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District awarded two contracts for the project at its Dec. 19 meeting. George’s Landscaping of Joliet will do the demolition and installation of the new Splash Pad for $191,975. The equipment for the water fountains will be installed by NuToys for $77,501. The park district also will pay a $16,000 architectural design fee for the project.
In June, commissioners were given a project estimate of $200,000 by architects. When bids came in high several months ago, design modifications were made. The park district solicited bids a second time, but the cost was still more than $85,000 over the estimate.
At its Dec. 5 meeting, commissioners decided to spend money in reserve to cover the additional cost. Park District Executive Director Debbie Kopas told commissioners the general fund balance is healthy and would be able to support the transfer.
A budget re-appropriation to cover the added expense is expected to be approved in February.
Boehm’s timetable is for work to begin in early spring and take four to six weeks to complete. If all goes well, and there are no weather delays, the new Splash Pad will be open for Memorial Day, he said.